King James Version

What Does Romans 15:1 Mean?

Romans 15:1 in the King James Version says “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Romans 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

3

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak (ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν, opheilomen de hēmeis hoi dynatoi ta asthenēmata tōn adynatōn bastazein)—Paul transitions from theological exposition (chapters 1-11) and practical application (12-14) to pastoral exhortation. The term opheilomen (we owe, we ought) indicates moral obligation, not mere suggestion. Dynatoi (strong) refers to those mature in faith who understand Christian liberty regarding disputable matters (food laws, holy days), while adynatoi (weak) describes believers with tender consciences still bound by ceremonial scruples.

And not to please ourselves—The essence of Christian maturity is cruciform self-denial. Bastazein (to bear) is the same verb used of bearing Christ's cross (Luke 14:27), indicating that bearing others' weaknesses involves genuine sacrifice. Paul's ethic inverts worldly strength: spiritual maturity demonstrates itself not in asserting rights but in voluntary limitation for others' edification. This principle governs all Christian community life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 57 from Corinth, Paul addresses a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers experiencing tension over observance of Mosaic ceremonial laws. The 'strong' (likely Gentile majority) understood freedom from dietary restrictions; the 'weak' (likely Jewish minority) retained kosher scruples. Paul himself belonged to the strong (14:14) but modeled voluntary restraint.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas of Christian liberty might you voluntarily limit your freedom to avoid causing a weaker believer to stumble?
  2. How does Paul's definition of spiritual strength (bearing weakness, not pleasing self) contrast with worldly notions of strength?
  3. What specific 'infirmities' of weaker believers in your church community might require patient bearing?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Ὀφείλομεν1 of 14

“ought”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

δὲ2 of 14

“then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡμεῖς3 of 14

“We”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

οἱ4 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δυνατοὶ5 of 14

“that are strong”

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

τὰ6 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀσθενήματα7 of 14

“the infirmities”

G771

a scruple of conscience

τῶν8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδυνάτων9 of 14

“of the weak”

G102

unable, i.e., weak (literally or figuratively); passively, impossible

βαστάζειν10 of 14

“to bear”

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

καὶ11 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ12 of 14

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἑαυτοῖς13 of 14

“ourselves”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀρέσκειν14 of 14

“to please”

G700

to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:14Romans 14:1Galatians 6:1-21 Corinthians 9:221 Corinthians 12:22-24Romans 4:20

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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